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MP CM relents, seeks CBI probe in Vyapam scam

BJP top leadership nudges Chouhan
Last Updated 07 July 2015, 21:07 IST
Faced with the strongest demand for his removal in nearly 10 years after taking over as chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, a beleaguered Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday did a U-turn by agreeing to a CBI probe into the Vyapam scam.

A day after withstanding a political storm, Chouhan announced at a hurriedly convened press conference in Bhopal that his government would request the high court to order a CBI inquiry into the scam, which has escalated into a national controversy with the death of many people linked to it.

However, before making the announcement, Chouhan said he has full faith in the ongoing investigation by the Madhya Pradesh Police which is being monitored by the high court.
“Public perception is important in a democracy. Honouring the public sentiment, I will request the high court for a CBI probe,” said the three-time chief minister. BJP sources said Chouhan was nudged by the party central leadership on Monday night to agree for a CBI probe.

The change in strategy–till Monday evening Home Minister Rajnath Singh and some party leaders were backing Chouhan–was to avoid further political damage given that the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a batch of petitions related to the scam on Thursday.

Plea filed

Later in the day (Tuesday), Additional Advocate General P Kaurav confirmed, “We have filed a plea in the high court seeking a CBI probe into the Vyapam scam.”

The public outcry over the mysterious death of over 40 people related to the scam has also forced the high court monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the causes of their demise.

The chief of SIT, Justice Chandresh Bhushan, told TV channels that he has directed the SIT to “enquire” into these cases and apprise him as to how “these people died.”

Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti had added fuel to the Opposition fire on Monday by publicly stating that even she was “scared” after hearing about the mysterious deaths of people linked to the scam.

Bharti, Chouhan’s old rival, had demanded a probe by a neutral investigating agency to clear doubts hanging over the state government.

The Congress was not satisfied with Chouhan’s decision and criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for remaining silent on the scams plaguing his government.

“Chouhan’s latest decision to write to the high court for CBI probe is another attempt to muzzle the truth. The Congress rejects it in toto. For a fair probe and justice to victims, a Supreme Court-monitored CBI probe is the answer,” Congress’s communication department chief Randeep Surjewala said.
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(Published 07 July 2015, 21:06 IST)

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